Posted!

Join the Conversation

Comments

Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only.
This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you.
You do not need a Facebook profile to participate.

You will need to register before adding a comment.
Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in.

Please be polite.
It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban.
If you see comments in violation of our community guidelines, please report them.

"It's such an amazing feeling, and a great day for the Thomas family," Thomas said.

"I am smiling ear to ear."

Nineteen years ago, Thomas, a talented offensive lineman out of Jefferson County High, signed with Florida State. His family stood behind him and watched proudly during the signing ceremony at school.

Fast forward to Wednesday at Lincoln High, where Thomas watched his son Tarrick, also an offensive lineman, sign with Florida Atlantic University.

More than 15 family members – three of whom stood behind Thomas in 1996 – attended the ceremony.

The kid's following his old man's footsteps by playing football, but he's also chasing his own dreams.

"He told me to go where you feel comfortable, where you think if something happens you can still be successful there," Tarrick said.

Tarrick wasn't actively recruited by Florida State, but that was semi-okay with dad.

Plenty of other schools offered Thomas' son, including Georgia Tech, Mississippi State and East Carolina.

FAU, coming off a 3-9 season under a new coaching staff, proved to be the best fit for the kid. He's a better athlete than his father – dad says so – and is still growing into his 6-foot-4, 270-pound frame.

Thomas stayed in the background during his son's recruitment, listening to sales pitches he heard nearly two decades ago.

Signing day is wrapped differently compared to Thomas' recruitment, but the message really hasn't changed.

Tweet this.

"I didn't want to try to butt in too much, because this is something he has to live with for the rest of his life," Thomas explained.

The next chapter will begin soon enough.

Time sure does fly.

It doesn't seem that long ago when Thomas, a noted pass-blocker, helped FSU win its second national championship in 1999.

Wednesday morning, Thomas, 37, embraced his 17-year-old son before he left for school.

The past, present and future came together.

Thomas was filled with absolute joy.

"All I could do was laugh," Thomas said – and laughed.

"It's amazing."

Jefferson County OL Tarlos Thomas signed with FSU in 1996.(Photo: Tarlos Thomas)